New Maine laws affect scrap yards, online shops

Maine's budget, Medicaid and hospital debt have been getting most of the attention this legislative session, but lawmakers have enacted scores of laws outside of state finances that will affect residents' lives.

Ahead of the 2013 session's scheduled Wednesday adjournment, the Legislature also passed bills affecting drivers, military veterans - and themselves. One bill prevents lawmakers from engaging in registered lobbying until a year after they leave office. The governor has signed the bills into law.

A new e-fairness law will close a tax loophole for large online companies that use affiliates to avoid paying sales taxes. Citizenship identification requirements for driver's license holders will be eased.

Scrap dealers will be allowed to use credit or debit cards to pay for material. Previously, checks were the only permitted form of payment.

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